Product Details

• Actors: Amy Brenneman, Charlotte Sullivan, Emma Taylor-Isherwood, Jonathan Koensgen, Noah Shebib
• Directors: Richard Mozer
• Writers: Heather Conkie
• Producers: Richard Mozer, Daniel Louis, David Devine, Denise Robert, Jan Oparty
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Repnet
• VHS Release Date: October 31, 2000
• Run Time: 56 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00004YKRU
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #219,865 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

What is a middle-aged bachelorette to do, circa 1868, when her brother unloads his three rowdy children on her Paris home a few days before her paintings are to be displayed at the prestigious Salon? Glean new inspiration, of course. In this hour-long docudrama, viewers learn a smattering about the life of Mary Cassatt, an American impressionist painter who honed her artistic talents in Paris. Her teenage niece, Katherine, provides the narration and the story frame for this interesting--if somewhat shallow and contrived--look at one of the most famous female painters in history. The pouty Katherine scorns Cassatt's solitary life and boasts about having many rich beaus back home. But as Cassatt introduces the girl to her circle of friends (the likes of Louisa May Alcott and Edgar Degas), Katherine learns to appreciate the artist's dedication to a fulfilling passion other than marriage. But it doesn't stop her from trying to play Cupid, with humorous results. Amy Brenneman (TV's Judging Amy) stars as the fiercely independent but equally compassionate Mary Cassatt. This video's biographical value and its focus on encouraging young females to look beyond boys for a lifetime of happiness make it a great alternative to the standard fairy tale for the 8-year-old and up crowd. --Liane Thomas

From Parents' Choice®

The story of this fine artist, a trail maker not only for independent women but for impressionist artists, is ably highlighted in this small gem. A surprise visit from her brother and his family has an impact on all, especially the artist. Share this slice of Mary's life with both boys and girls. A 1999 Parents' Choice® Gold Award Winner. (Yvonne Coleman, Parents' Choice®)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful family movie!, June 23, 2000

By 

R. Rouse "jaye23" (Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mary Cassatt - American Impressionist [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This hour long movie about Mary Cassat is so well made and intelligent that it is enjoyed by children as well as adults. Set in 1878 this film has stunning locations and costumes. It brings Mary Cassatt to life from a historical figure to a very real woman, encouraging everyone to live their lives doing what they love, not just what society thinks their "place" should be. After watching this film my children race for their paints!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gives children insight into politics of late 1800s, September 12, 2001

By 

R. Levy "kids_first" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mary Cassatt - American Impressionist [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Superb, professional production. This endearing cast brings to life an adult storyline that allows for thought and evaluation. It portrays discrimination against women and the social undercurrents of the late 1800s at a level that children can understand. It is altogether authentic, interesting and funny. Our kids commented: "The paintings and actors are fun to see and watch." "I liked it when the kids got into the paint fight." "The costumes and hairdos were great for that time." "It showed me a different world." Most appropriate for 8 to 14-year-olds.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From an artists viewpoint, August 20, 2001

By 

Kathleen Wood (Reno, Nevada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mary Cassatt - American Impressionist [VHS] (VHS Tape)

"Mary Cassatt, American Impressionst", a motion picture about the famous artist. What is portrayed here within the picture is a strong woman willing to do the unfamiliar, and and push the line of unconformity. Outside her own country, the United States, and within France, Mary pursues her passion of art. The story starts with interuptions of a brother's family which comes for a month long visit during her need to paint in solitude to compete for recognition. What happens instead is the brother's three children are left and a stray dog completes the disruption, for Mary to deal with. The children don't understand her need to work, as Mary doesn't understand their need from her for proper attention from an adult figure. The story moves into interaction from both sides, the children seeing the need from Mary's solitary life and Mary including them on her social outings, which includes a visit to a local art gallery, where Mary eyes the work of the famous Edgar Degas and makes comment on how great his work is. The children, later overhear Degas positive comments on Marys' work also hanging within the gallery. The children later match-make the two for a dinner complete with the children, flowers and dog. Comments strain the first meeting, but the backdrop is the niece Katherine is also being eyed by the servant to Mary, a young man which has all the finesse of of a courtier, just without the funds, and an attraction is found between the two. A later meeting of Cassatt and Degas, within the studio of Degas, stark and candid comments fly btween the two artists, but not to overpower and sever the two's attraction to each other. We see here the two showing their work, where bruising egos seem to be ok. Another look at a progressing work by Mary spurs Degas into another meeting (lunch) to see how the work continues. At the next meeting Degas speaks of the invitation from the dinner, which Mary deny's making and asks for the slip of paper which Mary immediatly recognizes as Katherine's handwritting. The gig that the two are two of a kind and would likely never work dispenses the romanantic start. The movie moves on to the end of the month with three of Mary's most famous works shown during the time spent with the children. The movie is a part of Degas life not shown in the HBO production "Degas and The Dancer, and a must see for those of his followers too. Both should be included as a set to watch and understand the complexity of artist's and the struggle to be human and paint inspite of the disruption.